Seminole Song

In the 1830's, already driven from most of their traditional homelands, the Seminole are living on the fringes of the Everglades. Despite growing pressure from white authority, the Seminole refuse to join the westward, forced migration of native peoples. The army and local plantation owners fear that the Seminoles' intransigence will inspire other tribes to resist. Worse, some Seminole have joined forces with another oppressed group, the South's black slaves.
Panther, the war chief of a Seminole band, has been sheltering runaway slaves, using their skills and knowledge in his struggle against the invading whites. One runaway, Gaitor, has become his closest confidant. When Calida, a house slave, escapes a murderous master and joins Panther's band in the swamps, Gaitor falls in love with her - as does Panther. Neither man will act directly on his feelings, but the friendship between the men grows strained, endangering the whole tribe.
Army generals are angered by the slave escapes, the Seminoles' ability to conceal themselves in the swamps, and the tribe's refusal to live on reservations. Worried over rumors of a massive black uprising to be led by the escapees, the whites offer the Seminole a false treaty.
If Calida is captured in battle and is returned to her master, she is as good as dead. Panther must put the welfare of all his people ahead of his own wishes, but how can he ignore the fate of the woman he has reluctantly come to love?